Richard "Dick" Arthur Hoch

A man who through the years has quietly gone about beautifying the buildings in Yuma and helping provide housing to families who otherwise would not have a place to live, passed away peacefully December 28th, 2016.

Richard Arthur Hoch was born in the family home December 12th, 1924 to Arnold and Zella Fail Hoch.  After graduating Yuma High School, Dick attended CU for one year with plans to become a doctor.  WW II was going on at that time, and after talking to his dad he joined the Merchant Marines.  After the war he moved back to Yuma to help his dad run  Hoch Lumber yard.  There was a beautiful music teacher renting a room in his folks house at the time and it was love at first sight. Katherine Willis and Dick were married September 14th, 1947.

The teaching in the Bible that says, “Help thy fellow man and you’ll be rewarded (tenfold)” was what guided Dick.  He loved Yuma and was fond of saying, “Yuma is my home; it will always be my home.”  Telling people about Yuma and its location was usually part of the conversation when he traveled.   One of Dick’s favorite quotes was,

“Yuma has everything the big city has except for a Symphony orchestra.”

One of Dick’s favorite things to do in life was playing golf.  Earlier in life he was one of the best golfers in the State of Colorado playing on sand greens.  He had trophies from all over the state.  He finally had to give up golf in 1984 when he lost sight in one eye.

The thing he missed most in life after that time was not being able to play golf anymore. In the 1970’s he sold the family business to some loyal dedicated employees and went into real estate.  Being a firm believer in helping his fellow man and the city of Yuma, he was able to put this belief into action in conjunction with his real estate business.  Many Main Street business buildings have been renovated and updated through his efforts, giving Yuma’s Main Street an attractive and progressive appearance to those visiting our city.  Many families now have homes because of him taking old, run-down houses and buildings that were eyesores and restoring them into attractive homes.  In turn, he would help them with financing to purchase these homes.

He has been instrumental in finding locations for businesses coming to Yuma and for local people wanting to start a business.  Among the local businesses he helped start are ShopAll, the John Deere dealership, a home improvement store,  and a farming venture called Big Mac Farms. He was in  on developing many acres for irrigation and was a promoter of electric-driven sprinklers and again enabled some to get started farming that would have otherwise not have been able to do so.  He has provided many young people with job opportunities during summer breaks and in many cases for years.  He has provided backing to many so they could start or continue a college education.

He has been involved in the annexation of several residential subdivisions in Yuma, as well as being involved in the development of the nursing home, the manor, golf course, school additions, Presbyterian Church, and the Masonic Hall.  A summary of Dick Hoch might look like this:  If you need a place to live; if you need a place to start you business; if you need a job, if you have a property to sell; if you want some ground to farm; or if you just need some advice, Dick Hoch was your guy.

Kay, his wife of over 68 years, passed away in February of 2016.  One day a short time after Kay passed away, Dick and Dave were taking their daily ride, Dick turned to his son and in a serious and matter-of-fact voice said, “Well, I probably won’t be getting married again.”

Left to celebrate his life are son Steve and Victor Guerrero, daughter Karen, son Dave and wife LuAnne, grandson Jason Hoch, grandson Shawn Brndiar and partner George White, grandson Gary Bruch and wife Christine, great grandchildren Miranda, Dylan, and Kurtis, brother Don and wife BJ, plus many nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to three wonderful ladies, Pate, Katie, and Kathy, for making it possible for Dick to stay in his home.  Probably the first thing Dick did when he got to heaven was to give Kay a big hug and a kiss, and then head off to the golf course.

A celebration of life service was held January 4th, 2017 @ 2:00p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Randy Feather officiating.  Arrangements by Baucke Funeral Home.  Memorials preferred to Yuma Children’s Academy.